MSWPG7101 Foundations of Social Work Theory

This unit introduces students to social work theories but also broadly to the human services context. It introduces students to the multidisciplinary knowledge base of social work by exploring major influencing theories including, psychosocial theory, human development theories, critical theory, radical and feminist theories and anti-oppressive approaches. It critically explores the history of social work with a particular focus on the historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and First Nations People and Communities. It also introduces students to the Australian Association of Social Work Practice Standards, that is areas of practice, fields of practice and ethical codes. It exposes students to what it means to be a `Critical Practitioner' and how to recognise and work at various levels, namely micro, meso and macro. It emphasises the intersection between values, norms and ethical dimensions of social work practice.

Course or unit outline

Credit points

EFTSL

0.125

Band

Social Work Prof Pathway

Field of Education

Social Work (090501)

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

A CSP is subsidised by the Australian Government and students pay a contribution amount. Each unit is classified into a band, depending on the study area of the unit (this discipline may be different from the study area of your course).

2026 contribution amount* $2,175
2026 grandfathered contribution amount^ $997

^ If you are a continuing student who commenced your course before 1 January 2021, you will continue paying the same amount as you would have, had legislative reforms not been implemented, for any units that would otherwise have an increased student contribution amount.

* For Psychology and Social Work bands the unit fee amount is determined by accredited courses. Students in Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, Professional Pathway Psychology or Professional Pathway Social Work accredited courses should refer to the information below.

Social Work Professional Pathway CSP unit fees

For the Social Work Professional Pathway band, the student contribution is determined by the unit Field of Education (FOE) code as well as the course in which you are enrolled. Only approved courses are eligible for the Social Work Professional Pathway fee.

2026 Social Work Professional Pathway $1,192
2026 grandfathered Social Work Professional Pathway $997

This fee band is for Human Welfare Studies and Services units (FOE code starting with 0905) in the Bachelor of Community and Human Services, Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Qualifying), Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (Children and Families).

Students enrolled in courses not approved for this fee will pay the standard student contribution above. Check our CSP page for more details.

Domestic full fee–paying places

A domestic full fee–paying place is one that isn’t subsidised by the Australian Government. These places are offered to postgraduate students or those who are ineligible for a CSP. Domestic postgraduate tuition fees are course-based annual fees, which means individual unit fees vary according to the degree. To find out more about domestic tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website.

International full fee–paying places

International tuition fees are course-based annual fees and the unit fee you pay will vary according to the degree you are studying. To find out more about international tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website.